Just so you know, my husband is making me ask this question.

Amstardam tell your hubby he got my curiosity going and I looke it up. I'll give you the link http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/HamburgerHistory.htm It has to do with Hamburg, Germany, and salted steak. It's really long so I really can't get it posted on here. If you like history you'll like the site.

The hamburger is called hamburger because it was brought to the States by immigrants from Hamburg, Germany. It was called a hamburger steak. Ground meat patties were and are very popular in Germany. Centuries ago they were called steak tartare. But generally they are half beef and half pork patties with breadcrumbs and egg, well seasoned. So somewhen in New York they overtook the method and used beef.

They originated as a ground meat sandwich in Hamburg Germany. Frankfurters were from a sausage served in Frankfurt, Germany. Thought he would like a bonus answer there.LOL And my hubby says that catsup in Germany is awful, and while he was there most people ate mayonnaise on their fries.So much for American fast food in the seventies.